Does calorie consumption vary by age?

DEAR PEGGY: How many calories should an active 54-year-old woman consume in one day to keep her weight at 135 lbs? —L.T., Perry, Ohio

The USDA has a handy interactive tool at www.mypyramid.gov that anyone can use to estimate their calorie needs. From their home page, click on "My Pyramid Plan" to use the calculator. Based on your information, you need about 2,000 calories a day to maintain your weight.